The most influential publication he founded, Gospel Advocate, inspired a former Franklin college student, David Lipscomb, who would follow Fanning as its editor.

Fanning’s magazine provided a platform for purveying views and opinions relating to doctrine and church practice.

It was through this influence that led to the 1906 identification of the Church of Christ as a distinct religious body, 33 years after Fanning's death.

He was baptised a member of the church in response to a sermon preached by Matthews seven miles north of Florence, Alabama, around October 1, 1827.

He founded Franklin College in 1840, notable alumni of which include David Lipscomb, T. B. Larimore, E. G. Sewell, Edward Ward Carmack, J. E. Scobey, Samuel R. Lowery.